Invacare Harrier Plus User manual

Invacare® Harrier Plus

TM

User Guide

2

Contents Page

Warranty Terms & Conditions……………………………………………………..

6

Standard Invacare Terms………………………………………………………………………… 6

Limitation of liability……………………………………………………………………………… 7

1 Useful Symbols In This Manual……………………………………………………..

5

2 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………

8

2.1 Intended Use………………………………………………………………………………….

9

2.2 Type Classification…………………………………………………………………………… 10

3 Safety Notes……………………………………………………………………………

11

3.1 Repair or Service Information………………………………………………………………... 11

3.2 General Safety notes…………………………………………………………………………. 12

3.3 Safety Information On Electromagnetic Interference………………………………………...

14

3.4 Safety Precautions/Safe Operation…………………………………………………………...

15

4 Some Useful Tips……………………………………………………………………... 18

5 Safety Inspection Checklist…………………………………………………………. 23

6 Trouble Shooting……………………………………………………………………... 26

6.1 Trouble Shooting – Mechanical……………………………………………………………….

26

6.2 Trouble Shooting – Electrical…………………………………………………………………

27

6.3 Checking Battery Charge Level………………………………………………………………

29

6.4 Care And Maintenance……………………………………………………………………….

30

6.5 Product End of Life…………………………………………………………………………...

30

7 Adjustment…………………………………………………………………………….. 31

7.1 Seat Depth And Backrest Angle Adjustment (Manual)………………………………………

31

7.2 Tension Adjustable Back Upholstery…….…………………………………………………..

33

3

7.3 Power Reclining Backrest (where fitted)…………………………………………………….. 34

7.4 Tray Assembly………………………………………………………………………………...

35

7.5 Installing Or Adjusting Lateral Supports (where fitted)……………………………………... 36

7.6 Lap Belt Adjustment…………………………………………………………………………. 37

7.7 Armrest Adjustment…………………………………………………………………………. 39

7.8 Installing/Removing Or Adjusting Headrest (where fitted)………………………………….. 41

7.9 Seating………………………………………………………………………………………...

42

7.10 Installing/Removing Seat/Back Cushion (where fitted)……………………………………..

42

7.11 Installing/Removing Seat Board……………………………………………………………... 43

7.12 Kerb Climber………………………………………………………………………………...

44

7.13 Leg Rests……………………………………………………………………………………. 45

7.14 Elevating Leg Rests………………………………………………………………………….. 46

7.15 Anti Tippers…………………………………………………………………………………

47

8 Batteries………………………………………………………………………………... 48

8.1 Removing/Installing……………………………………………………………………………

48

8.2 Disconnecting Battery Cables………………………………………………………………...

51

8.3 Connecting Battery Cables…………………………………………………………………...

53

8.4 Batteries And Charging……………………………………………………………………….

54

8.5 Disposing And Recycling Of Used Batteries………………………………………………….

57

9 Motor Locks, Wheels & Brakes…………………………………………………….. 58

9.1 Disengaging/Engaging Motor Lock Levers……………………………………………………

58

9.2 Drive Wheels…………………………………………………………………………………

59

9.3 Manual Parking Brakes………………………………………………………………………...

60

10 Transportation………………………………………………………………………… 61

10.1Disassembly and folding……………………………………………………………………...

65

11 Controls Systems……………………………………………………………………... 66

4

11.1 Types Of User Control ……………………………………………………………………..

66

11.2 Joystick Mounting Hardware………………………………………………………………...

67

12 Transfers………………………………………………………………………………...

68

13 Keeping Your Chair In Good Condition…………………………………………...

70

14 Fault Finding……………………………………………………………………………

72

15 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC...

73

Contacting Invacare…………………………………………………………………..

74

5

1

Useful Symbols In This Manual

WARNING!

This symbol warns you of danger! Always follow the instructions to avoid injury to the user or damage to the

product!

EXPLOSION HAZARD!

This symbol warns you of an explosion hazard, an example of which can be caused by excessive tyre pressure

in a pneumatic tyre!

• Always follow the instructions to avoid injury to the user or damage to the product.

BURN HAZARD!

This symbol warns you of burns due, for example, to leaking battery acid.

• Always follow the instructions to avoid injury to the user or damage to the product.

NOTE:

This symbol identifies general information which is intended to simplify working with your product and which

refers to special functions.

REQUIREMENTS:

This symbol identifies a list of various tools, components and items which you will need in order to carry out

certain work.

TRANSPORTATION:

This symbol identifies important information relevant to transporting your powerchair in a motor vehicle.

6

Warranty Terms & Conditions

Standard INVACARE Terms

This is to certify that your Powerchair is warranted by INVACARE Ltd. for a period of 2 years for parts, 3

years for frames and 12 months for batteries.

1. Only INVACARE chairs purchased at full price are warranted against defective workmanship and materials.

2. If a defect or fault is discovered the INVACARE dealer from whom the appliance was obtained should be

notified immediately.

3. The manufacturer will not accept responsibility for damage caused by misuse or non-observance of the

instructions set out in the user manual.

4. During the period of the warranty any parts that have become defective, due to faulty workmanship or

materials, will be renewed or repaired without charge by the INVACARE dealer.

5. The Warranty will be forfeited should any unauthorised alteration be made to the equipment.

6. The purchaser’s statutory rights under the Consumer Protection Act are not affected.

7

Limitation Of Liability

This Warranty does not extend to the consequential costs from fault clearance, in particular freight and travel

costs, loss of earnings, expenses, etc.

• Natural wear and tear

• Inappropriate or incorrect use

• Defective assembly or setting-up by the purchaser or third parties

• Defective or neglectful treatment

• Use of unsuitable spares

8

2 Introduction

Dear User,

First of all we wish to thank you for your confidence in our products. We hope you will enjoy your new

Harrier Plus

TM

Powerchair.

This manual contains important information and hints on:

• Safety

• Operation

• Care and maintenance

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

As a manufacturer of wheelchairs, Invacare endeavours to supply a wide variety of wheelchairs to

meet many needs of the end user. However, final selection of the type of wheelchair to be used by

an individual rests solely with the user and his/her healthcare professional capable of making such a

selection.

Do not operate this equipment without first reading and understanding this manual. If you are

unable to understand the warnings, cautions, and instructions, contact your dealer otherwise injury

or damage may result.

The initial set up of this wheelchair must be performed by a qualified technician.

Procedures other than those described in this manual must be performed by a qualified technician.

9

Note:

Not all of the components within this manual will necessarily be available with your Power wheelchair. Any

references not applicable to your product should be ignored.

2.1 Intended Use

Indoor and outdoor configurable wheelchair offered with various options compliant with EN12184:1999

section 5 class B.

The Harrier Plus

TM

powered wheelchair has been designed to provide mobility and comfort for persons with

impaired mobility.

The wheelchair has been designed to be used either/or by a seated user/carer/attendant in both indoor and

outdoor environments.

The wheelchair has, in its standard format, been designed to accommodate users who have all limbs intact and

have sufficient upper body strength to maintain a safe position within the wheelchair without the addition of

supporting aids.

Adaptations from the standard wheelchair format are available to accommodate users who do not meet these

criteria but these will only be considered after a suitable assessment of the risks has been carried out by a

qualified person. When prescribing wheelchairs for use by full or partial amputees (above or below knee,

single or double) it is important to recognise that lower limb amputation will affect the sitting centre of

balance of the wheelchair. The impossibility of generalising the individual ability of a wheelchair user means it

is imperative that the product prescriber carries out a full stability evaluation to ensure that the user is safe in

the use of the wheelchair and the risk of the wheelchair tipping is minimised.

The wheelchair should only be used in accordance with the safety advice given within this user guide. Failure to

follow the recommended advice within this user guide could lead to personal injury.

10

2.2 Type Classification

Your Powerchair is a Class B (EN12184) and Class 2 (Road Traffic Act) available with a maximum speed of

4mph for use only on pavements, footpaths, pedestrian zones and areas free from motor traffic. It is not

allowed on the highway except for the purpose of crossing. Under no circumstance must the top speed of the

Powerchair be increased, to do so will infringe the ‘The Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations

1988, Statutory Instrument 1988 No. 2268’

WARNING!

WEIGHT LIMITATION – Your Powerchair has a maximum user weight limit of 114kg/18stone.

11

3 Safety Notes

3.1

Repair Or Service Information

Setup of the Electronic Control Unit is to be performed ONLY by a qualified technician. The final tuning

adjustments of the controller may affect other activities of the wheelchair. Damage to the equipment could

occur under these circumstances. Failure to adhere to the above statement will result in the warranty

becoming void.

Limitation of Use

• WEIGHT TRAINING – Invacare DOES NOT recommend the use of its wheelchairs as a weight training

apparatus. Invacare wheelchairs have NOT been designed or tested as a seat of any kind for weight

training. If occupant uses their wheelchair as weight training apparatus, Invacare shall NOT be liable for

injury and the warranty will become void.

• DO NOT attempt to move up, down or traverse an incline with a water, ice or oil film.

• DO NOT attempt to drive over kerbs or obstacles greater than 5cm unless a kerb climber is fitted. Doing

so may cause your wheelchair to turn over and cause bodily harm or damage to the chair.

• DO NOT climb, go up or down ramps or traverse slopes greater than 6°. The maximum safe slope is 6°.

12

3.2

General Safety Notes

GENERAL WARNINGS

• Performance adjustments should only be made by professionals of the health care field or persons fully

conversant with this process and the driver’s capabilities. Incorrect settings could cause injury to the

driver, bystanders, damage to the chair and to surrounding property.

• After the wheelchair has been set up, check to ensure that the wheelchair performs to the specifications

entered during the setup procedure. If the powerchair does NOT perform to specifications, turn the

wheelchair OFF immediately and re-enter setup specifications. Repeat this procedure until the wheelchair

performs to specifications.

• DO NOT use parts, accessories or adapters other than those authorized by Invacare.

• DO NOT stand on the frame of the wheelchair.

• Take care when disengaging automatic brakes if the chair is on a slope.

TYRE PRESSURE

• DO NOT use your wheelchair unless it has the proper tyre pressure. DO NOT over inflate the tyres.

Failure to follow these suggestions may cause the tyre to explode and cause bodily harm. The

recommended tyre pressure is listed on the wall of the tyre.

BATTERIES

• The warranty and performance specifications contained in this manual are based on the use of deep cycle

gel cell batteries.

• Carefully read battery/battery charger information prior to installing, servicing or operating your

powerchair.

13

CLIMATIC TESTING

• Invacare has tested its power wheelchairs in accordance with ISO 7176 Part 9 ‘Climatic Test’. This

provides the end user or his/her attendant sufficient time to remove his/her power wheelchair from a rain

storm and retain wheelchair operation.

• DO NOT leave power wheelchair in a rain storm of any kind.

• DO NOT use power wheelchair in a shower or leave it in a damp bathroom while taking a shower.

• DO NOT leave power wheelchair in a damp area for any length of time.

• Direct exposure to rain or dampness will cause the chair to malfunction electrically and mechanically; may

cause the chair to prematurely rust.

• DO NOT use the joystick if the boot is torn or cracked. If the joystick boot becomes torn or cracked,

replace IMMEDIATELY.

14

3.3

Safety Information On Electromagnetic Interference

This electric vehicle was successfully tested in accordance with international standards as to its compliance

with Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) regulations. However, electromagnetic fields, such as those

generated by radio and television transmitters, and cellular phones, can influence the functions of the electric

vehicles. Also, the electronics used in our vehicles can generate a low level of electromagnetic interference,

which however will remain within the tolerances permitted by law. For these reasons we ask you to please

observe the following precautions:

WARNING: DANGER OF MALFUNCTION DUE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE!

• Do not switch on or operate portable transceivers or communication devices (such as radio transceivers

or cellular telephones) when the vehicle is switched on!

• Avoid getting too close to strong radio and television transmitters!

• In case the vehicle should be set in motion unintentionally or the brakes are released, switch it off

immediately!

• Adding electrical accessories and other components or modifying the vehicle in any way can make it

susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Keep in mind that there is no sure way to determine the effect

such modifications will have on the overall immunity of the electronic system!

• Report all occurrences of unintentional movement of the vehicle, or release of the electronic brakes to the

manufacturer!

15

3.4

Safety Precautions/Safe Operations

• The day to day activities and the more advanced powerchair techniques depend, on your physical

capabilities and your own specific circumstances. Our recommendations may occasionally differ from those

of your Therapeutic Adviser or Physician, as they may have a better understanding of your abilities. Where

this is the case, you MUST FOLLOW THEIR ADVICE, they are better placed to tell you what is suitable

for you and what is not.

• DO NOT use your powerchair when your driving ability is impaired by medication or alcohol.

• Avoid using your powerchair on rough ground or in adverse weather conditions (snow or ice), always

steer clear of obstacles where possible, ensure your clothing and hands are kept clear of all moving parts,

ask for assistance when descending or ascending steep gradients. Never attempt to negotiate stairs. Never

use an escalator to move a powerchair between floors. Due to both the weight of a powerchair and its

occupant it is not advisable to attempt to be assisted up and down stairs whilst the powerchair is occupied.

• If you are a user with limited mobility we advise that in the case of adverse weather conditions, i.e.

extreme cold, DO NOT attempt a journey without an accompanying attendant. In an event of a power

failure you could become stranded in an isolated area, where there is the strong possibility you will be

unable to get immediate assistance.

• Braking of your powerchair is dependant on electromagnetic motor brakes. When these are disengaged by

declutching the motor gear box drive system, the chair is in freewheel mode, this mode is for emergency

use only and motor gearboxes should remain engaged at all other times.

• To avoid the powerchair free wheeling special care must be taken to engage motor brakes.

• When using your powerchair indoors always consider the following potential hazards:

o Beware of the fact that many of the premises where you are likely to use your powerchair may not

have been designed with this consideration in mind. You should therefore have an awareness for

safety when encountering the likes of narrow doorways, steps, high surfaces, protruding wall fittings

and every day household items such as electrical appliances, etc. Take extra care in kitchen

environments.

Consider the fire evacuation procedures for buildings you may be entering. Never put yourself at risk, and

ensure that you can be evacuated in the event of an emergency.

16

NOTE

Powerchairs drive very quietly, generally travel faster than the average walking pace and are low to the

ground. Always consider these factors when using your powered wheelchair in busy pedestrian areas.

• Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be alleviated somewhat by learning how to manage

your wheelchair. Keep in mind your centre of gravity to maintain stability and balance.

• When learning a new technique, have an experienced assistant help you before attempting it alone.

SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

• Use this information only as a ‘basic’ guide. The techniques that are discussed on the following pages have

been used successfully by many.

• Individual wheelchair users often develop skills to deal with daily living activities that may differ from those

described in this manual. Invacare recognises and encourages each individual to try what works best for

him/her in overcoming environmental obstacles that they may encounter, however ALL WARNINGS and

CAUTIONS given in this manual MUST be followed. Techniques in this manual are a starting point for all

new wheelchair user and assistant with “safety” as the most important consideration for all.

17

RECOMMENDED DRIVING POSITION

• INVACARE recommends that when driving your Powerchair during normal operating conditions the

following seat and back angles are maintained:

• Seat Angle: - approximately 4°

• Back Angle: - approximately 7° (i.e. fully raised if fitted with a recliner mechanism).

• Failure to observe the above precautions whilst driving may lead to instability, damage to the chair, user or

those around you.

SURFACES AFFECTED BY HEAT

The wheelchair is made from metal and plastic materials and, as with all products made with such materials, it

can absorb heat from the sun when used outdoors or exposed to sunlight through windows, etc. This can

result in the surfaces of the wheelchair becoming hot, so take care in using it and touching the surfaces if it is

left or used in such an environment.

18

4

Some Useful Tips

• Before you venture off on your first journey, ensure that everything is adjusted to your specific needs, read

this manual to familiarise yourself with the product and its functions. DO NOT attempt to drive without an

attendant on hand until you are fully proficient in using and maneuvering your powerchair.

• Ensure power is switched off before transferring to or leaving your powerchair. Before switching on, check

that both motors are engaged, tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and are in good condition. When

on the move DO NOT attempt turns at full speed, especially while traveling downhill. Before changing

from forward to reverse, and vice versa, you must stop. Failure to do so will cause severe damage to the

electronics. DO NOT use your powerchair beyond its limitations.

• When entering or leaving your powerchair, DO NOT stand on the footplates.

• If you have to brake in an emergency, release the joystick. DO NOT switch off power while the

powerchair is moving, it would cause an abrupt, sharp stop.

• DO NOT use your powerchair beyond the limitations set out in this manual concerning kerb height,

gradients, etc.

STABILITY AND BALANCE

To ensure stability and safe control of your powerchair you must at all times maintain proper balance. The

powerchair is designed to remain stable and upright during normal use, so long as you do not move your

centre of gravity outside the normal seating position.

REACHING - BENDING FORWARD

• Ensure power is OFF. DO NOT lean your body forward out of the powerchair further than the length of

the armrests.

• DO NOT attempt to pick up objects from the floor by bending forward and reaching between your knees.

• DO NOT attempt to reach objects by sliding forward to the edge of the Powerchair seat.

19

REACHING - BENDING BACKWARDS

• Again ensure power is switched OFF.

• DO NOT reach back any further than your arm will extend without changing your sitting position.

• DO NOT lean over the top of the backrest as it will shift the centre of gravity, risking tipping over.

• DO NOT hang heavy loads or objects on the backrest. They may make the powerchair unstable, especially

on an incline.

20

NEGOTIATING KERBS

When approaching kerbs wherever possible mount

and dismount pavements via ramps. Always approach

the kerb head on, not at an angle.

Without a Kerb Climber

Your Powerchair can safely climb kerbs of up to 5cm

without a kerb climber. Before negotiating the kerb,

ensure the speed control setting is set to maximum.

As the front wheels are about to make contact with

the kerb push the joystick fully forward and hold it

there until both front and rear wheels have climbed

the kerbstone.

With a Kerb Climber

If a kerb climber (optional) is fitted, your Powerchair

can safely climb kerbs of up to 10cm. Before

negotiating the kerb ensure the speed control setting

is set to maximum and the kerb climber is in the

engaged position (facing forward). As the kerb

climber makes contact with the kerb push the

joystick fully forward and hold it there until both rear

wheels have climbed the kerbstone. Your Powerchair

Prescriber will provide you with a demonstration and

instructions on fitting.

If the kerb climb is unachievable do not continue the

maneuver, move away from the obstacle and if

possible find an alternate location.

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Invacare Harrier Plus User manual

Invacare Harrier Plus User manual

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